Head Of Ukraine Federation Of Jewish Communities: ‘The Struggle Now Is For Food And Electricity’

NEW YORK (VINnews) — Rabbi Meir Stambler, the head of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Ukraine, described the current situation in the wartorn country on Israel radio’s Kol Chai channel.

“In the last hour 50 rockets were fired at Ukraine, I’m in Dniepro and we can hear the sounds of explosions. I was supposed to be attending the Kinnus Sheluchim [Chabad Emissaries Gathering in NY] but now it’s time to be on scene with my community.”

Rabbi Stambler, who has stayed in Ukraine during the entire eight months of the conflict, said that he was working to assist 34,000 Jewish families still in Ukraine. He says that if these families will not receive food, “there is a possibility of actual starvation.” He added that “we are starting a harsh winter. The struggle now is not the military battle, Ukraine is winning there, but the main struggle is for infrastructure, since many people do not have food or electricity.”

Rabbi Stambler said that even though many Jews had fled the country and some are still being taken care of by their communities, the shuls are still full and there are many people requiring assistance and seeking it from their community.

Rabbi Stambler added that he was working alone for eight months until he recently brought his family back to Ukraine.

Media reports say that after Russia retreated from Kherson, it targeted major Ukrainian cities Thursday, with shelling and rocket fire reported in Odessa, Dniepro, Kiev and Uman.

A survey of 600 members of Jewish communities across Ukraine published Monday shows that three out of every four people foresee having to choose between heating and food amid power shortages and rising costs. Around 68% think they won’t be able to withstand the costs of keeping their home from freezing. Some 56% doubt that they have enough warm clothes to get through winter.

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, which conducted the survey, is shipping an aid package worth $6.5 million, with heating equipment and food to people in Ukraine.